May 8, 2015 2 min read

McDonald police and Washington County sheriff’s deputies will be beefing up patrols on both the Montour and Panhandle trails after getting numerous complaints about off-road vehicles on both trails.

Several people were walking along the Montour Trail about 1 p.m. Sunday, about three miles from the McDonald trail station, when they were startled by someone operating an all-terrain vehicle at a high speed, borough police said. The ATV was camouflage green, but the identity of the driver could not be determined because he was wearing a helmet and eye protection. Witnesses told police the rider was a white man of average build, 30 to 40 years old.

“Every year, we have problems out there on the trails,” said McDonald Officer Richard France. “Because of the increased number of complaints, we have contacted the sheriff’s office. Officers and deputies will increase patrols on the trail. We are hoping to deter the problems.”

Police also will go on the trails in an undercover capacity looking for riders on ATVs. Anyone caught breaking the law will be subject to traffic and nontraffic citations, as well as criminal charges, based on the circumstances.

“Even if they are on the trail, we can file DUI or fleeing and eluding charges,” France added.

Police also consulted with the Washington County district attorney’s office and learned there is a potential for forfeiture of motor vehicles being driven on the trails.

The Washington County commissioners passed an ordinance banning off-road vehicles from the trails. If convicted of the summary offense, the rider could be fined as much as $600 or spend 10 days in Washington County jail.

Smith Township police and sheriff’s deputies increased patrols on the Panhandle Trail after riders on an ATV and dirt bike collided in March.